Cherry Hill, NJ – Cherry Hill firefighters are using a stretch of bitter winter weather to prepare for one of the most dangerous emergencies residents can face, training on frozen water rescues at a neighborhood lake while warning the public to stay far off the ice.
The Cherry Hill Fire Department announced that its members are conducting cold weather emergency training at Joe’s Lake on Greentree Way in the Lakeview neighborhood, simulating real-world scenarios in which people or pets fall through frozen bodies of water. The drills will continue over the next two weeks.
Fire officials stressed that frozen ponds and lakes are extremely unpredictable, with ice thickness and strength varying widely even across short distances. Cold water exposure, they said, can overwhelm a victim within minutes.
To conduct the exercises, firefighters are cutting large holes in the frozen surface of Joe’s Lake to practice rescue techniques. Cones and danger tape have been placed around the area, and residents are being urged to stay completely off the ice.
The department warned that bystanders should never attempt a rescue if someone falls through ice. Instead, they are advised to call 911 immediately and wait for trained responders equipped to handle cold-water emergencies.
- Cherry Hill firefighters are training for ice rescues during extreme cold conditions
- Crews are cutting holes in the frozen surface of Joe’s Lake to simulate emergencies
- Residents are warned to stay off the ice and call 911 if someone falls through
